Insurgent fighters in Mali continue to battle French and Malian troops

The West African nation of Mali is one of the world’s 25 poorest countries.  Mali is heavily dependent on foreign aid and money sent home from Malians working abroad.  In the middle of the 19th century, Mali was colonized by France.  In 1960, Mali gained independence from France.  After gaining independence from colonial rule, the people of Mali endured droughts, rebellions, and 23 years of military dictatorship.  In 1992, democratic elections were held. 

Mali is a landlocked country with much of its territory covered by the Sahara Desert.  Mali has a population of about 15.5 million people and it is one of Africa’s largest producers of cotton and gold.  A March 2012 military coup in the Malian capital of Bamako led to chaos throughout the country.  As a result of the coup, Malian soldiers gave up towns to insurgent fighters.
Last month, France became involved with Malian government affairs once again.  On Friday, January 11, 2013, French military forces conducted airstrikes against al-Qaeda linked Islamic extremists.  The conflict has caught the attention of the international community.  The Malian government asked for French military assistance to combat Islamist fighters who have gained control of the northern part of the country.  Thousands of Malians have fled northern cities.  4,000 French soldiers are in Mali trying to secure towns and cities from Islamic radicals.  French jets have bombed Islamist rebel bases.  Now in its fifth week, war zone reports indicate that the conflict might turn into a guerilla style war.  The Islamist forces appear to be well equipped with weapons and vehicles.   
As of now, US government officials have not pledged sending troops into the conflict.  However, the US has pledged logistical support.  Since the conflict began last month, the US Air Force has flown C-17 flights into Bamako transporting French soldiers and equipment.  West African countries have pledged 8,000 soldiers and the European Union has pledged 250 military trainers.
US and international officials should remain informed about the ongoing conflict in Mali.  The war could risk civilian lives and disrupt Mali’s already fragile government.  Outgoing US Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta said the Obama administration was deeply concerned about the extremists groups in Mali.      
Facts about Mali:
Population: 15,494,466 (July 2012)
Area: 482,077 sq. miles (Slightly less than twice the size of Texas)
GDP – per capita: $1,100 (2012, in US dollars)
Official Language: French
Literacy Rate: 31.1%
Religions: Muslim – 90%, Christian – 1%, indigenous beliefs – 9%
Sources: www.bbc.com, www.cia.gov, New York Times

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